From Brad Pitt to George Clooney: A look back at TIFF's biggest stars

Over the years, the Toronto International Film Festival has attracted some of the biggest stars in the industry. From Brad Pitt and George Clooney to the young Jennifer Lawrence, here are some of the biggest stars that have walked the red carpet in Toronto . (REUTERS)

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1977: Legendary American filmmaker Frank Capra comes to town for the gala revival of his 1934 masterwork It Happened One Night. Interviewing him is a delight because Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is a wonderful part of my life. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images/AFP

1982: The Martin Scorsese Tribute staged by Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel attracts Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall and Harvey Keitel, with Scorsese confessing this year (in the Ebert documentary Life Itself) that this event actually saved his life. He had been in a downward spiral through cocaine, felt creatively bankrupt, and needed this boost. (REUTERS)

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1984: The Warren Beatty Tribute staged by Ebert and Siskel attracts Jack Nicholson, among others, and cost overruns become as legendary as the backstage antics. But Nicholson's bad-boy appearance makes up for Year One in 1976, when cynics ragged on fest organizers for not producing him after hinting he might show along with Scorsese and Beatty. None did in '76. Better late than never. REUTERS/Fred Prouser

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1989: Bruce Willis is showcased for the first time, getting more serious in his career with his role in Norman Jewison's In Country, the opening night gala. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle

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1992: Quentin Tarantino unleashes Reservoir Dogs, taking the first step in becoming as famous as his actors. I serve on the FIPRESCI jury which cites his debut for the International Critics Award. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard

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1994: The premiere of The Shawshank Redemption not only debuts a future American classic, it attracts co-star Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins â€” with Robbins soon becoming a TIFF habitue. (REUTERS)

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1996: Tom Hanks may help promote films he stars in, such as Cloud Atlas, but he seems more comfortable presenting his directorial debut, That Thing You Do!, as a gala on the festival's closing night. QMI Agency

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1998: Tom Cruise, who has never walked the TIFF red carpet as an actor, shows up as the co-producer of the sports drama Without Limits â€” and the city goes nutzoid. QMI Agency

2007: George Clooney stars in the legal thriller Michael Clayton and, as always, shows off his quick wit while trying to subvert his superstar status. Just as he does in other appearances at TIFF. QMI Agency